Cooking at home is a fantastic way to save a little money and dramatically improve your nutrition. That doesn’t mean you can enjoy incredible flavor! This easy skillet could pass for an entrée at plenty of hip eateries, and by making it at home, your control over the amount of salt and the types of […]

Did you know that cocoa powder earns three Guiding Stars? It’s true! On its own, cocoa is high in iron, dietary fiber, and a couple of other important nutrients. The reason chocolate gets a bad rap is that, in order to balance its natural bitterness, it’s often paired with added sugar and saturated fat. Neither is necessary! Pair cocoa powder with fruit for sweetness (plus fiber and a great range of nutrients) and plain, non-fat yogurt for creaminess (and protein), and you’ve got a winning nutritional combination that tastes like a “sometimes” food.

Cheese sauce is a treat many of us enjoy, no doubt. And many of us rarely indulge because it’s very much a “sometimes” food. Vegan cheese sauces, however, can be absolutely packed with nutrition. The secret to the cheesey flavor is nutritional yeast, which can generally be found in either the natural foods section or the spice section of your grocery store.

Do you ever look at a Guiding Stars recipes and wonder how something that sounds decadent could earn three stars? Or how a salad might only earn one? Guiding Stars looks a nutrient density, specifically, how much nutrition is in a 100-calorie portion, to help you recognize, for example, when you’ve got a good balance of whole grains and veggies with the sauce that dresses them.

Buffalo sauce is a favorite flavor at any sports gathering. Savor the flavor and enjoy the customary pairings of celery and blue cheese in better health by making this inexpensive, vegetarian twist on an old favorite.

Guacamole made with simple ingredients adds a nice boost of heart-healthy fats and produce to any wrap, and paired with this delicious pork, your friends will be fighting more over the last wrap than over whose team is better on the field.

A basic wrap[ can be a thing of beauty. Using hummus as your spread, you can boost the protein, fiber, and flavor of a simple chicken wrap. Packed with veggies and sliced into pinwheels, you’ve got a nutritious snack that’s easy to eat, fun to look at, and completely delicious.

Wraps are a fantastic option for feeding a crowd of friends who have gathered to watch a game together. Make them ahead and slice into pieces for snacks, or put out a wrap bar to let guests customize their own sandwich. Look for whole-grain wraps and offer spreads like hummus and guacamole with lean protein and fresh veggies for a nutritious offering.